the other case is from new york, it challenges the defense of marriage act that requires the government to deny federal benefits to legally married gay couples. it was passed in 1996 and signed by president clinton. reaction in san francisco's castro district included a range of emotions. yesterday's decision means same sex couples in california must put marriage plans on hold. they could have started marrying pleadly if the court denied review. activists say they feel some momentum from the november elections. >> three states legalized same sex marriage just a month ago. the tide is shifting. >> i want it to be tackled. i want to get married and i want to be married in any state. >> many people say they are happy the court will address the issue but they say they understand that the possibility the ruling may go against the very thing they are fighting for. >> opponents of same sex marriage believe the justices will see things there way. >> we are confident that the court is going to up hold the right of the people to amend their own constitution. >> the man who wrote proposition eight